St Swithun's hosts many joyful services at which we pray for young (and not so young) children.
A Thanksgiving Service gives the opportunity to bring the family together in celebration, to thank God for the gift of a child, and to pray that God may bless, guide and protect the child through their life.
Prayers are also said for the parents, and special supporting friends who will take a role in caring for the child and teaching them as they grow up.
A Baptism Service marks the beginning of the Christian life: it is the sacrament or ceremony of entry into the Church.
As such it asks the parents and godparents to declare their Christian faith and promise that they will raise their child as a Christian who takes part on the worshipping life of the Church.
Thinking about baptism is often a moment when parents decide to start coming to Church again, or for the first time. The Rector is always happy to meet families who enquire about Baptism and Thanksgivings, and help them through the process of thinking about these services.
It's never too late to be baptised - it's not just for children.
Adults who come to embrace the Christian faith are often baptised as part of the process of preparing for Confirmation. This is an opportunity to affirm your faith and ask God to confirm or strengthen you with his Holy Spirit.
Photo's by kind permission of David & Carey Jones (& "Alex")